First in Fly: Drosophila Research and Biological Discovery

A single species of fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been the subject of scientific research for more than one hundred years. Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr explains why this tiny insect merits such intense scrutiny, and how laboratory findings made first in flies have expanded our understanding of human health and disease.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2018
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Drosophila melanogaster, a single species of fly, has been the subject of scientific research for over a century. This tiny insect has garnered significant attention due to its remarkable qualities. Firstly, its short life cycle allows for rapid reproduction, enabling scientists to study large populations of flies in a relatively short period. Additionally, the easily observable mutant phenotypes of Drosophila make it a valuable tool for studying genetic mutations and their effects on an organism.

Over time, laboratory investigations have revealed surprising similarities between flies and other animals, including humans, at the genetic, gene network, cell interaction, physiological, immune, and behavioral levels. Flies, like humans, learn and remember, fight microbial infections, and experience age-related changes. These similarities make Drosophila an ideal model organism for studying complex biological activities in a simple but intact living system.

Fly research has played a crucial role in answering some of the most challenging questions in biology and biomedicine. For instance, it has helped scientists understand how cells transmit signals and form ordered structures. It has also provided insights into interpreting the vast amount of human genome data available, which can aid in the development of personalized medical treatments. Furthermore, Drosophila research has been instrumental in developing effective treatments for cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

First in Fly, written by a prominent figure in the Drosophila research community, Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr, celebrates key insights uncovered by investigators using this model organism. Mohr draws on these "first in fly" findings to introduce fundamental biological concepts gained over the last century and explore how research in the common fruit fly has expanded our understanding of human health and disease.

In conclusion, Drosophila melanogaster's significance as a research organism lies in its short life cycle, ability to reproduce in large numbers, and easily observable mutant phenotypes. Over time, laboratory investigations have revealed surprising similarities between flies and other animals, including humans, at the genetic, gene network, cell interaction, physiological, immune, and behavioral levels. Fly research has played a crucial role in answering some of the most challenging questions in biology and biomedicine, and has helped to develop effective treatments for various diseases. First in Fly is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the remarkable contributions of this tiny insect to scientific progress.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674971011